Details: 2016 Porsche 911

08 Sep 2015

The Porsche 911 often takes flak for its much-too-subtle evolution with each generation. But isn’t that one of the reasons it’s remained such an enduring icon? The aesthetic revisions on the latest iteration can be summed up quite succinctly. New headlights, different door handles, a neater engine lid and new rear lights – that is the extent of the changes.

But the biggest talking point will undoubtedly be the adoption of forced induction across the board. Porsche says the turbocharged engine range in the latest 911 is completely new. The three-litre, flat-six in the Carrera has an output of 272kW while the Carrera S serves up 308kW. In the cases of both models, that is a 15kW gain. Torque outputs are up 60Nm for the duo, with figures of 450Nm and 500Nm respectively.

Porsche claims a sprint time of 4.2 seconds for the Carrera, when equipped with their PDK transmission and 3.9 seconds for the S. According to them, this is two tenths faster than the outgoing versions. Of course, they’re also more efficient, with claimed consumption figures between 7.4l/100km and 7.7l/100km. Opt for the extra Sport Chrono package and you’ll receive a “mode switch” on the steering wheel, inspired by the system in the 918 Spyder. It comprises Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual settings. PDK models are also equipped with what Porsche calls a “Sport Response” button. That gives drivers maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, handy for overtaking manoeuvres, they say.

Under the skin, the ride height has been lowered by 10 millimetres and new dampers promise greater comfort. There are new wheel designs to pick from too. And rear-axle steering is available as an option on the Carrera S. A hydraulic lift system is optional, which increases ground clearance at the nose, to prevent nasty scuffs over speed humps or tricky driveways.

And the Porsche Communication Management system was also revised. It now boasts online satellite navigation in addition to voice control. A seven-inch touchscreen is the conduit. Wi-Fi is a part of the package and the smartphone tray has been relegated to the centre armrest. A bunch of driver assistance systems are available too, including adaptive cruise control, lane change assist and blind spot monitors.